And there was no more Sea

‘And there was no more sea ‘

These poignant words from the book of Revelation 21:1 , seem to speak to the heart of a grieving community , as we are once again faced with the terrible toll that the sea has taken on the Community of the Western Isles. The following words were posted on the church Facebook page before the funeral of Chris Morrison on Saturday.

The past week has been a very difficult and dark time for the whole of the Western Isles community with the tragic loss of the fishing boat ‘Louisa ‘near Mingulay . The grievous loss of three young fishermen in such circumstances is hard for any community to take, and brings back for many memories of past tragedies and losses.

We commend to your prayers the family of Chris Morrison as his funeral took place yesterday from Scarista church . Seldom can this old church in such a scenic and beautiful setting, have hosted such a sad and poignant service. We pray that Chris’ mother Elaine, children Jessica and Hazel, along with the wider circle of his family and friends will know the love and comfort of God at this difficult time.

We also prayerfully remember and commit to the keeping of God, Lachlan Armstrong the sole survivor of the Louisa , and the families of Paul Alliston and Martin Johnstone . We pray that they will find peace and strength at this time and in the time to come in the God of all comfort.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour ( Isaiah 43: 2-3)